Mali: Army conducts overnight strikes in separatist-held town

Amid Mali’s deteriorating security situation, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) have reportedly conducted strikes in the northern Kidal region, according to Africa News via AFP on May 14th.

Strikes were conducted overnight between May 13th and 14th; residents reported hearing at least four explosions on May 13th that caused material damage.

One strike destroyed a house near a former market, and another strike hit the governor’s compound; FAMA asserts that it is targeting specific objectives and warned that strikes will intensify over the coming days.

Kidal is a Tuareg separatist stronghold that was recaptured by militants on April 25th following attacks by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).

Malian authorities regained control of Kidal in November 2023; separatists have waged war against the government since their latest uprising began in 2012.

Separatists have repeatedly fought Malian and Russian forces in their quest for an independent state in northern Mali called Azawad.

FLA rebels launched a wave of attacks targeting cities and garrison towns in northern Mali on April 25th, in partnership with the al-Qaeda affilated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

JNIM is behind the fuel blockade Mali has endured since September 2025; militants envision that destabilising Mali’s junta will lead to the establishment of an Islamic Republic.

Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed at his residence in Kati on April 25th, while Bamako has faced a renewed blockade since April 28th.

However, “security operations” and patrols by Malian and Russian forces have meant that the Bamako blockade is not completely impenetrable.

Following their recapture of Kidal on April 25th, the FLA have vowed to fight and “drive out the last Russian fighters who have taken refuge in a camp.”

Since May 1st, the FLA and JNIM have controlled Kidal’s Tessalit camps after Russian auxiliaries, and FAMA deserted the camps.

Reportedly, FLA rebels have captured over 200 Malian soldiers since April 25th; the soldiers are described as “prisoners of war” by the FLA.

The soldiers were left in Kidal after Russian forces negotiated their exit from Kidal following the FLA-led attacks.

According to FLA spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, Malian authorities have not yet initiated steps for the soldiers’ return.

Despite the April 25th attacks being conducted in partnership with JNIM, the FLA denies that JNIM was involved in capturing Malian soldiers.

Maghrebi has contacted the Malian Prime Minister’s Office for comment on reports of strikes in Kidal, but has not received a response at the time of publication.

Africa News via AFP, Maghrebi.org